UNIABUJA: FG offers automatic employment to 18 medical graduates

THE Federal Government has offered automatic employment to the 18 pioneer Medical graduates of University of Abuja, after 12 years of prolonged programme.

The 18 medical students were at the weekend inducted as doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at the Main Campus of the University, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Provost, College of Health Sciences, UNIABUJA, Professor Kareem Airede, in speech at the event, said the inductees would commence work as Pre-Registration House-Officers within 48 hours after the ceremony, at the University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Our pioneer inductees, as you practically now enter the medical profession, and start working the tomorrow (Monday), I want you to possess the driving themes of competence, character and compassion,” he said.

The graduands had to stoically endured various challenges as a result of accreditation issues that led to the suspension of the medical programme at the University a few years ago.

This embargo was however, lifted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory agencies after the University had put in place necessary infrastructure, equipment and Faculty for effective training of medical students.

The induction ceremony now gives them liberty to practice as medical doctors.

Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Micheal Adikwu x-rayed the value erosion in the medical profession over the years.

He urged the graduands to shun all forms of corruption and change the narrative in the Nigerian health system.

According to the VC, decay in the health sector has made medical tourism a thriving business, a development that should be discouraged by all means.

He, however, advised the new doctors to adhere to the medical oath which pledges consecration of personal life to the service of humanity as their guiding principles.

“I want you to always believe in yourselves and make Nigeria a place where others will come for medical tourism. I also believe that with people like you who have been well grounded the situation change very soon.

“It does not take long to change a system. All it takes is consistency and believe in God. There is no problem under the sun that cannot be solved.  I commend your courage thus far and this should spur you to greater heights as you leave the shores of this university,”Adikwu added.

A guest of honour and pioneer provost of the University’s College of Health Sciences, Professor Joseph Otubu, urged the inductees to adopt moral values of fairness, honesty, and respect for human lives.

The doctors were inducted with the MBBS degree, having passed the final phase of examinations coordinated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.